The Bangladesh Premier League 2023 is reaching its climax, and the cricketing fever is at an all-time high as the Rangpur Riders square off against Fortune Barishal in the 2nd Qualifier. With a spot in the final against the Comilla Victorians up for grabs, both teams are prepared for an intense battle under the lights at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Teams Preview
Fortune Barishal: After a commendable league stage, Fortune Barishal clinched the third position with a solid performance, securing seven wins and a promising net run rate of +0.414. Their recent victory against the Chattogram Challengers in the eliminator match propelled them into the second Qualifier. With the inclusion of David Miller and James Fuller bolstering their lineup, Fortune Barishal is set to unleash a formidable squad.
Key Players: The experienced Tamim Iqbal has been a standout performer for Fortune Barishal, displaying consistent form with back-to-back half-centuries in the tournament. Kyle Mayers’ all-round contribution and Mohammad Saifuddin’s bowling prowess further strengthen Barishal’s arsenal for this crucial encounter.
Rangpur Riders: Topping the league stage with nine victories and an impressive net run rate of +1.438, Rangpur Riders aim to bounce back from their defeat in the first Qualifier against the Comilla Victorians. The return of Mohammad Nabi and the debut of Nicholas Pooran add depth to their middle-order, enhancing their chances in this knockout clash.
Key Players: James Neesham’s explosive innings in the previous game, combined with the firepower of Nicholas Pooran and the consistency of Shakib Al Hasan, form the backbone of Rangpur Riders’ batting lineup. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s bowling prowess adds another dimension to their formidable squad.
Predicted Playing XIs
Fortune Barishal: Tamim Iqbal (c), Kyle Mayers, David Miller, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, James Fuller, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Obed McCoy, Taijul Islam
Rangpur Riders: Shamim Hossain, Rony Talukdar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Nicholas Pooran, James Neesham, Nurul Hasan (c) (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Abu Hider, Hasan Mahmud, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch is known to favor batsmen, although spinners can come into play as the match progresses. Mirpur is expected to have clear skies with a moderate temperature, providing ideal conditions for an exciting encounter.
Match Prediction
In what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable sides, Rangpur Riders hold the edge with their depth in batting and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. While Fortune Barishal boasts a strong lineup, Rangpur Riders’ match-winners are likely to shine on the big stage.
Verdict: Rangpur Riders favored to emerge victorious in Qualifier 2, setting up a mouth-watering final clash in the Bangladesh Premier League 2023.
As anticipation builds for this high-stakes showdown, cricket enthusiasts can expect a night of exhilarating cricketing action at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
Pawan Goenka